Ferguson’s List of Admired Fast Bowlers

Lockie Ferguson, the former New Zealand fast bowler, has revealed his selection of the top five Test bowlers. His list includes two Pakistani legends alongside one each from Australia, New Zealand, and the West Indies.

In a recent discussion with an Indian media outlet, Ferguson mentioned the iconic fast bowlers he most admired for their express pace and aggressive approach. Notably, he did not include any Indian bowlers in his selection.

Ferguson’s Top 5:
  • Shane Bond
  • Mitchell Johnson
  • Shoaib Akhtar
  • Wasim Akram
  • Curtly Ambrose

This isn’t the first instance of Wasim Akram receiving accolades. Recently, Quinton de Kock, the former South African wicketkeeper-batsman, also featured Akram in his all-time left-handers’ XI, which included two Pakistani players and one Indian player.

De Kock’s All-Time Left-Handers’ XI

De Kock chose himself to open alongside Matthew Hayden of Australia, followed by Sri Lanka’s celebrated duo, Sanath Jayasuriya and Kumar Sangakkara, at No. 3 and No. 4, respectively.

The middle order consisted of Michael Hussey and India’s Ravindra Jadeja, with Akram positioned at No. 7.

The bowling lineup featured Sri Lanka’s Rangana Herath as the primary spinner, complemented by left-arm pacers Mitchell Johnson (Australia), Chaminda Vaas (Sri Lanka), and Mohammad Amir (Pakistan).

Both Akram and Akhtar are widely recognized as Pakistan’s most devastating fast bowlers, celebrated for their speed, swing, and ability to disrupt batting orders.

Akram holds the distinction of being the second-highest wicket-taker in ODI history, with 502 wickets in 356 matches and an impressive economy rate of 3.89. Additionally, he took 414 wickets in 104 Test matches.

Akhtar, famously known as the “Rawalpindi Express,” claimed 178 wickets in 46 Tests and 247 wickets in 163 ODIs. He also participated in 15 T20Is, securing 19 wickets.

He still holds the record for the fastest ball ever recorded in cricket, clocking in at 161.3 km/h (100.23 mph) against England in 2003.